The federal budget deficit: $777 billion

The federal budget deficit for the first half of the fiscal year is $53 billion less than it was in the same period a year ago, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The federal budget deficit for the first half of the fiscal year is $53 billion less than it was in the same period a year ago, according to the Congressional Budget Office. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

The federal budget deficit for the first half of the fiscal year is $53 billion less than it was in the same period a year ago, according to the Congressional Budget Office.Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times